Jaffna Challengers braces for Carlton Super Sevens

Hot  on the heels of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series, Sri Lanka begins its league version of the popular game of rugby the  ‘Carlton Super Sevens’  taking  after the concept of the world renowned IPL.

The well known names of the Sevens World Series is all packed in on this exciting  tournament which has gained popularity in a very short span of time  since its inception, under the patronage of  Carlton Sports Club (CSN) and the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU). The seed of the tournament was planted by national rugby player and MP Namal Rajapaksa.

The ‘Jaffna Challengers’ owned by Environmental Resources Investment PLC (ERI) is looking forward to the tournament which kicks off on the 26th and 27th of May 2012 in Kandy and continuing on 2 and 3 June in Colombo. The team is captained by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the captain of the recently concluded Asians Five Nations Championship and comprise of international star players of the likes of current Fijian Sevens Captain Setefano Cakaunivalu, Ratu Osea Kolinisau (who was a popular face in the local media during the last tournament), Ratu Taniela Maravunawasa and Nasoni Roko, an all time top try-scorer with over hundred tries under his wing. Jaffna Challengers also has a strong line up of local star players such as the dashing Trinity fly-half Rehan Weerakoon, Dulip Methruwan, Thilina Weerasinghe, Shamrock Arbeer, Niranjan Wickramaratna, Eranda Weerkkody and Merk Silva.  The team is coached by Michael Friday, a former England Rugby Union Sevens coach who will bring a wealth of expertise to the team. “We are looking forward to the tournament and are excited to field an excellent team who we believe will make their presence felt at this tournament. Sports are a universal language and the leadership and teamwork it provides is certain to pave the way to build a great society. The Carlton Sevens is a great initiative for ERI to be part of that vision where the young and the rural rugby athletes get an opportunity to learn from the veterans of the game and build their leadership capabilities” said Eric Wikramanayake, CEO of ERI.

The popularity of the tournament has attracted many sponsors this year with Taj Samudra Hotel teaming up with ERI as the official hotel partner providing accommodation to the Jafna Challengers team and the officials.  “We are happy to partner with Taj Samudra – Colombo and Kanna Lubricants, Classic Travels, Palliyaguru Technology and our own Lionhart Investment Ltd. and ERI group companies Dankotuwa Porcelain and Ceylon Leather Products,” Wikramanayake added.

“We are delighted to partner with ERI and be a part of this exciting tournament. The Taj has always been known for promoting popular sporting events and our association with the Jaffna Challengers is another example of our commitment to the same,” said Taj Samudra – Colombo Director Sales Anahat Arora.

The tournament this year will have Bollywood stars Vivek Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, Preeti Zinta and many other local entertainment personalities in attendance adding to the carnival atmosphere that the Carlton Sevens is known for.